For years many have been debating whether the Constitution should be amended to allow for District of Columbia statehood. And the efforts are laudable. Let's face it, there should be no area of the country unrepresented. However, as George Will points out in his Washington Post column today, Congress today has an ulterior motive: beef up its majority without proper Constitutional consideration. In addition, it would appear unconstitutional to move forward with the current plan.
The Constitution was meant to be a living, breathing document and it clearly offers means of amending so as to conform to new social, political, and economic conditions and norms. If the case for statehood is great, why not put it up for an amendment again (see the 1978 amendment)? According to DC Vote Voice, a 2005 survey found that 78% of Americans didn't know that DC had less representation than the rest of the country. The case seems clear to me -- propose an amendment to the Constitution and put it up for a vote.
Plain and simple - we need to get away from these subversive tactics. Be open and straightforward and help people understand your objectives. Maybe it'll make you think twice before you ASSuME that no one will know the difference.
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